Reviews

• “With his novel Bad Blood the Swedish author Arne Dahl has made his way to the lead among our foremost thriller novelists. /…/ Dahl’s novel has many literary qualities. His characters are not transient beings; they are self-willed, vigorous creations that live on in the mind of the reader. /…/ This venture reminds me of the legendary crime novel by the Swedish writer couple, Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. /…/ Arne Dahl’s social criticism is, on the other hand, global, much like the story itself. In the end the case is solved, but the world around us isn’t any better at all.”

• “The plot is intelligently constructed, and he who penned it is a skillful writer indeed. /…/ Bad Blood succeeds on account of its clear motive and suspense, expertly weaving together the US involvement in Vietnam with the current events in Iraq.”

• “Bad Blood is a highly professional Swedish crime novel, and at the same time an insightful and thought-provoking social satirem surveying the individual.”

• “Arne Dahl has with dizzying speed climbed to the throne of Swedish crime literature, as a full-fledged heir toSjöwall/Wahlöö. /…/ His work is characterized by impartiality, lighthearted humor, epic flow and poetic precision.”

• “Bad Blood is one of this fall’s best crime novels and, from a stylistic point of view, definitely the most self-assured.”

• “One of this year’s most intense thrillers.”

• “ForgetMankell. He can’t create a sense of anxiety quite like Arne Dahl. This Swede has not only written really good crime novels, such as Misterioso – he has now even accomplished a true masterpiece. With Bad Blood, Arne Dahl ensures himself a position among the best detective novelists. /…/ Professionally built up suspense, multifaceted and believable characters, surprising turns of events, a more or less dejected critique of politics and society as a whole – all of this conveyed in top literary style, perfectly formulated and without those unnecessary and wordy digressions thatMankell, at times, succumbs to. Absolutely worth reading!”

• “A story you definitely shouldn’t read at the airport since you’ll be guaranteed to miss the flight. Incredible suspense. German crime novel fanatics have grown to expect nothing but the best from Scandinavian authors. /…/ But Arne Dahl surpasses them all in terms of ruggedness, suspense and insidious politics. Something else that’s new when it comes to thrillers: the murderer claims that he is the good guy, that he is on the side of the righteous. /…/ A book you’ll read without having time to catch your breath, and something you'll think about for a long time to come. /…/ It can definitely cost you a couple of night’s sleep. A very unusual detective novel.”

• “One has grown accustomed to pure literary delight when it comes to Swedish crime novels, and authors such as Henning Mankell andLiza Marklund. However, Arne Dahl (the name is a pseudonym) is most definitely a candidate for the best Swedish crime novel. /…/ His novel is a grandiose thriller. /…/ For those of you who plan on bringing this book along during your summer vacation, make sure to set aside an afternoon, or a whole night, to read in peace and quiet. Be prepared to hold your breath in suspense. You’ll also need a safe spot far from any creaking doors and chilling cellars.”

• “A very good novel that is truly worth reading and that rises far above the average Swedish crime novel. This is partly due to Arne Dahl’s proficiency in creating very believable characters, as well as his skillfully created intrigues. The characters are mutlifaceted and keenly described. /…/ Like Mankell, he relates hideous acts of crime to keep the reader in his grip. Also, like this successful author, he uses the crime genre to raise questions of current importance in society. However, Arne Dahl argues his standpoint precisely and doesn’t resort to excessive wordiness like Mankell. Nor does he rely on one individual to keep the reader captivated, but rather a whole team of people together with their wide-ranging and strenuous work. This is exactly what makes Arne Dahl the better choice. While Mankell’s material becomes personal, biased and pathetic, the work of his younger colleague is multifaceted, impartial and composed. /…/ Where Mankell makes clear conclusions, Dahl leaves the questions open for discussion.”

• “Bad Blood is a chilling, rattling and effective detective story that has more heart than one first may think.”

• “Bad Blood is like a box of wonders. The entire story is told from alternating perspectives; the events are seen through the eyes of the victim, the killer, and those of the police. Readers who love crime novels will find that this book is more than a common thriller.”

• “Arne Dahl is exceptional among Swedish crime writers, and has invented a compelling narrative device. Yet, the most appealing part of his book lies in the context – the disenchanted glance he casts upon the general social unease and the deteriorating global state of affairs /…/ A furious picture of contemporary society that is much more than a thriller.”

• “As in his wonderful Misterioso (2011), Dahl's latest is a stunning, muted howl of Scandinavian despair for a once orderly nation unhinged by racial malaise, predatory capitalism, and the sense that Swedish society is becoming Americanized. But, like Coltrane, Dahl plays all over the scale. He's mordantly funny, particularly in dialogue between squad members. His caustic appraisal of American "community policing" and the justice and penal systems will resonate with many American readers. And his coda on the damage parents may visit on their children is poignant. With two superb novels, Dahl has established himself as one of the leading voices in Scandinavian crime fiction.”

• “Bad Blood is a compellingly stylish thriller that is also a thought-provoking social satire. Dahl casts a disenchanted glance at a once comfortable country afflicted with general social unease and the deteriorating global state of affairs. Add him to your list of must-haves in crime fiction.”

• “'Thriller' is the perfect descriptor for the second installment in Arne Dahl's Intercrime series, which crackles with pent-up energy on every page. My bet is that it will resonate with the reading public every bit as much as it will with lit-critics.”

• “It's dark, cold, and worth every second. … Here, Dahl shows his true worth, as, like all good crime novelists — whether it be Hammett or Chandler, Auster or Lethem — and raises real character and emotion. In the end, Dahl creates a book as powerful as its opening chapter.”

• “Dahl's special police unit is a diverse group of law enforcement agents whose chemistry creates dark humor amid the intense themes. The self-contained plot brims with deception, twists and suspense. Nothing is what it seems. Recognition should also be given to Rachel Willson-Broyles's exemplary translation. The beauty of Dahl's language juxtaposed with the heinous subject matter is preserved in her English version, allowing readers to appreciate Dahl's skill with dialogue and imagery. There may be plenty of bad blood in this thriller, but it makes for great reading.”